Qatar online – Breaking News Qatar – qataronline.mediahttps://www.qataronline.media
Qatar online News cover all breaking news, politics, business, culture and more in and around Qatar.Tue, 14 Aug 2018 19:00:40 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8Bright future ahead for Qatar’s table tennis athletes after latest successhttps://www.qataronline.media/bright-future-ahead-for-qatars-table-tennis-athletes-after-latest-success/
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 19:00:40 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206127After the latest success of Qatar’s national table tennis team at the recently concluded 26th Arab Table Tennis Championships in Cairo, Qatar’s national team and Aspire Academy coach, Peter Karlsson, envisions a bright future for the talented players, that could lead one of them to a spot at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The team, […]]]>

After the latest success of Qatar’s national table tennis team at the recently concluded 26th Arab Table Tennis Championships in Cairo, Qatar’s national team and Aspire Academy coach, Peter Karlsson, envisions a bright future for the talented players, that could lead one of them to a spot at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The team, comprising some of Aspire Academy graduates including Mohamed Abdulwahab, Abdulrahman Al Naggar, and current student-athlete Abdulaziz Al Hajaji, along with athletes from the Qatar Table Tennis Federation, won a total of four medals throughout the Championships.

Some key players on the team demonstrated strong performances against the number one players of table tennis giants, Egypt and Bahrain in the teams and singles matches across various age groups, including the Under-21, Under-18 and the Under-12.

With these results, coach Karlsson feels optimistic and sees a bright future awaiting the team in future tournaments. Commenting on the athletes’ performance, he said:

“I’m extremely satisfied with [the boys’] performance. They played really well. Having reached the semi-finals in the teams’ category and the finals in the singles category head-to-head against Egypt, a country well known for its rich history in table tennis competitions, was a great achievement in itself.”

Karlsson added;

“The table tennis competition featured several categories, and we faced Egypt in all of them. One of our team members, Mohammed Abdulwahab managed to beat Egypt’s number one player when we faced the team in the group stages. When we faced the team again in the finals, our other team member Al Naggar, who was returning from injury, also came out victorious against Egypt’s top player. However, the overall results meant that Egypt managed a narrow win over us in a very closely contested match.”

“Before the match with Egypt, Al Naggar and Abdulwahab, two of Qatar’s most promising table tennis athletes, each won their matches against Bahrain’s top table tennis player who is regarded as the number player in the Arab region for his age group and recently won Asia’s Under-21 table tennis champion a few weeks prior to this Championship. In the Singles category, Al Naggar faced the star Bahraini player again in the semi-finals but lost 3-1. The latter went on win the Singles category.”

“The high level of competition that our players faced, and overcame in several matches, to me says they have the potential to take on the region’s top players and acquit themselves well in the West Asia qualifiers for 2020 Olympics in two years’ time.

Karlsson concluded saying,

“Looking ahead to future competitions, Aspire Academy, in collaboration with the Qatar Table Tennis Federation, plan to have its table tennis athletes take part in two more major events by the end of 2018 and around nine international and regional tournaments in 2019. Come 2020, the hope is that our players would have had adequate exposure and gained good experience to help them secure a spot in the West Asian qualification for the Olympics.”

The Championship in Cairo featured around 386 players competing in the Under-21, Under-18, Under-15 and Under-12 age groups competitions.

Aspire Academy’s Table Tennis programme is one of the strongest youth development programmes in the Arab World. Aspire Academy works closely with the Qatar Table Tennis Federation to provide a comprehensive structure, training schedule and planned local and international competition exposure for its student-athletes to help them reach an elite status in various local, regional and international tournaments in which they compete.

]]>The Launch of Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli A New Escape From the Cityhttps://www.qataronline.media/the-launch-of-souq-al-wakra-hotel-qatar-by-tivoli-a-new-escape-from-the-city/
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 05:00:44 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206121Nestled amongst the newly established Souqon the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli will launch on 15 August in Al Wakra, the up-and-coming district just a 20-minute drive south of Doha. Having established itself as a prominent coastal settlement for pearl divers, sailors and fishermen, Al Wakra has flourished […]]]>

Nestled amongst the newly established Souqon the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli will launch on 15 August in Al Wakra, the up-and-coming district just a 20-minute drive south of Doha.

Having established itself as a prominent coastal settlement for pearl divers, sailors and fishermen, Al Wakra has flourished as a trading post since the 17th century, but growth slowed down when supplies ran out.

Recent investment has resulted in efforts to preserve and revive heritage sites, including the development of Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli.

Blending artful Qatari tradition and contemporary leisure, the new hotel comprises of two buildings with a total of 101 guest rooms.

Both buildings are former heritage houses where original character has been splendidly preserved with the architecture mirroring a Qatari house or fortress.

In keeping with the local heritage, each of the guest rooms and suites features classic thatched roofs, reflecting traditional basket weaving elements. The guest rooms have been thoughtfully designed with colourful motifs reflecting the jubilant blues of the sea and the sandy tones of the desert, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearl diving and fishing village. Open walkways and maze-like paths lead to courtyards where multiple guest rooms can be blocked off to create private areas for groups. Offering ultimate privacy, large parties will be able to stay together in guest rooms grouped around shaded majlis, perfect for celebrations or family gatherings.

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli has created dining delights in five restaurants and lounges. Jarnen offers Mediterranean all-day dining with fresh seafood sourced daily from the local Al Wakra market and BBQ grilled to order at live cooking stations. Markhan, anArabic fusion lounge, offers the ideal place to enjoy the sunset from the terrace overlooking the gulf. Emshoot invites guests to discover the culinary delights of Asia’s diverse flavours with dishes ranging from sushi to tandoori kebabs. For those looking for something lighter, guests can dine upstairs and embrace the sights and sounds of the nearby Souq from Mahaadeg’s terrace, which serves a selectionof international dishes. Whether needing to grab breakfast on the go or an afternoon snack, the Lobby Lounge tempts palates with a range of quick bites.

In addition, the majlis which are situated across the property offer an authentic Bedouin-style evening or live BBQ. The colourful spaces are perfect for groups to share quality time whilst enjoying a casual and convivial atmosphere. To complement the water front location, Tivoli Spa will provide an absolute state of relaxation and well-being with separate treatment rooms for men and women as well as a hydro pool, steam room,Vichy Shower and jacuzzi. High-end spa products effectively target the physical signs of stress and fatigue. A multifunctional gym in each building is also available for all guests.

Only a fifteen-minute drive to Hamad International Airport, the hotel is in an easily accessible location for business meetings,with both a multipurpose boardroom equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and a business centre available in each building.

The hotel also has direct access to the adjacent Al Wakra public beach and promenade, suitable for exercising.

Souq Al Wakra is quickly becoming a local meeting point with vendors and merchants selling their native goods from traditional garments to dates and spices, as well as souvenirs.

The Souq comes to life at night with locals and tourists who dine and drink tea along the promenade.

The regeneration of the area also includes historical landmarks such as Al Wakra Fort, a short walk from the property, which will soon reopen after refurbishment.

]]>Qatar’s Abdulla second fastest in Hungarian Bajahttps://www.qataronline.media/qatars-abdulla-second-fastest-in-hungarian-baja/
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 03:00:19 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206118Qatar’s Adel Abdulla began his challenge for honours at the Hungarian Baja, the eighth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, with the second fastest time in the T2 category on the opening super special stage yesterday afternoon. The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver and his French co-driver Jean-Michel Polato carded a time […]]]>

Qatar’s Adel Abdulla began his challenge for honours at the Hungarian Baja,

the eighth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, with the second fastest time in the T2 category on the opening super special stage yesterday afternoon.

The Nissan Patrol Y62 driver and his French co-driver Jean-Michel Polato carded a time of 9min 38.8sec for the 11.4km special that will determine the starting order for the leading teams for the first of two demanding selective sections today.

The QX Rally Team driver returned to the overnight halt in Veszprém trailing his Saudi rival Ahmed al-Shegawi by 18.6 seconds in the class for series production cross-country vehicles.

Romania’s Claudiu Barbu was a distant third overall in T2 in his Nissan Navara.

Poland’s FIA World Cup leader Jakub Przygonski won the stage outright by 4.9 seconds from Czech driver Martin Prokop. Crews had earlier crossed the start podium in ?v?ros Square in the baroque town.

Adel’s challenge for T2 honours this season is being supported by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), Ooredoo Qatar and Nissan Qatar. Competitors face two runs through a challenging selective section of 219.50km on Saturday before the ceremonial finish in Veszprém later in the evening.

Asia’s original fast-growing ‘tiger’ economies in the 1970s and 1980s were Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.

Asia’s latest ‘tiger’ however, is Vietnam with the latest data showing its economy roaring in 2018 as it emerges as one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

A range of indicators show Vietnam’s booming economy. GDP growth raced ahead by 7.1% y/y in the first six months of 2018; the economy’s fastest growth since 2011.

The manufacturing sector is leading the charge with output up 13.1% y/y in the first half of the year.

Construction is also playing a strong supporting role with output in that sector up 7.9% y/y over the same period.

The counterpart to Vietnam’s manufacturing boom are surging exports.

Monthly trade statistics can be highly volatile but the latest data show goods exports up over 20% y/y in the first half of the year, following growth of over 17% in 2017 as a whole.

Manufacturing and export success has been driven by Vietnam’s ability to attract large foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into sectors such as clothing, footwear and, above all, electronics.

It is now estimated for exad toa new generation of fast growers: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and, more recently, India.

Asia’s latest ‘tiger’ however, is Vietnam with the latest data showing its economy roaring in mple that one in 10 smartphones worldwide are now made in Vietnam. Latest data show FDI inflows also booming. These were worth an estimated USD 13bn in 2018H1with a11% y/y growth.

To put these FDI inflows in context, Vietnam’s GDP in 2017 was worth around USD220bn according to the latest data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Vietnam’s economic success is noteworthy as it comes at a time when many developing economies are struggling to match the success of Asia’s earlier ‘tigers’ and sustain rapid economic growth through manufacturing and export booms. India’s export sector for example has laboured in recent years despite a vibrant economy in other respects.

By contrast, Vietnam has seen trade soar to nearly 100% of GDP; up from around 60% in 2005 and 75% as recently as 2014.

The foundation of Vietnam’s success is obvious: favourable demographics and low wage rates. Political stability also helps as does the country’s geographical location.

Vietnam is also close to major global supply chains, particularly in electronics, which have emerged over the last decade or so. But these factors are far from specific to Vietnam and so only explain a portion of its success.

Recent research from the Brookings Institute think tank in the US highlights that it has been the ability to build on these solid foundations through good policies is what really sets Vietnam apart.

Three factors in particular have been critical. First, while many in the West are questioning the benefits of free trade, Vietnam has zealously pursued trade liberalisation on both a multilateral and bilateral basis.

Vietnam, for example, has recently concluded a free trade agreement with the European Union which eliminates nearly all tariffs between the two.

Trade agreements have dramatically lowered the external tariffs its exports face, helping integrate Vietnam into the global economy and further accelerating FDI investments.

Second, Vietnam’s investments in human capital i.e. education have been impressive, helping the country maximise its demographic potential.

A stand out is that the OECD’s latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which tests high school students in maths, science and other subjects, ranked Vietnam an impressive 8th out of 72 participating countries; ahead of many leading OECD economies.

Third, investments in human capital have been supported by progress in improving the country’s business climate.

has steadily moved up in both the World Economic Forum’s competitiveness index and also the World Bank’s ease of doing business survey. Investments in physical infrastructure such as power generation, roads and bridges and container port capacity have been vital in supporting Vietnam’s rich human capital.

Impressive as Vietnam’s recent economic achievements have been, the country cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

The very nature of its success brings with it vulnerabilities and future challenges. As already highlighted, FDI has been largely concentrated in the textiles and electronics sectors.

The jobs created by these investments tend to be relatively low-skill and low-wage with little value added.

This leaves Vietnam exposed to the cross-fire of a US-China trade war (along with Asian other economies enmeshed in the electronics global supply chain such as Taiwan and South Korea) in the short term. Longer-term, Vietnam’s competitive advantage will necessarily fade as the country climbs the development ladder and wage rates and living standards improve.

New drivers of economic development will need to found to ensure that Asia’s newest ‘tiger’ economy does not risk extinction in a few years. There are clear reasons for optimism however.

Vietnam’s high PISA scores suggest that the country should be able to move up the global value chain more easily than most emerging markets.

Prospects for rapid growth in the service sector are also fair with tourism a prime candidate to help drive economic growth over the longer-term. In fact, with the latest data showing tourist arrivals up nearly 25% y/y in June, this growth engine is already helping the country power ahead.

]]>Hamad International Airport renews level 3 of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditationhttps://www.qataronline.media/hamad-international-airport-renews-level-3-of-acis-airport-carbon-accreditation/
Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:00:24 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206133Hamad International Airport (HIA) has successfully retained its Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3 for another year. HIA’s renewal comes after successfully reaching Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status last year and becoming the first airport in the GCC and only the second in the Middle East and North Africa region to reach Level 3 accreditation. HIA’s […]]]>

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has successfully retained its Airport Carbon Accreditation at Level 3 for another year.

HIA’s renewal comes after successfully reaching Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status last year and becoming the first airport in the GCC and only the second in the Middle East and North Africa region to reach Level 3 accreditation.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport and Regional Board Director of the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific, stated: “As Hamad International Airport continues to accommodate rapid growth with an increasing number of passengers and cargo, we are committed more than ever on reflecting global environmental standards and minimising environmental impact. We are proud to successfully work in line with ACI’s standards and will continue to minimise our use of natural resources, control emissions and manage waste carefully as we move forward.”

Ms. Patti Chau, Regional Director of ACI Asia-Pacific said:

“This achievement reflects HIA’s commitment to sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact and emissions. ACI will continue supporting HIA and other airport members as they face the challenges of climate change and strive for long-term development and success.”

This accreditation acknowledges HIA’s commitment to tackling climate change and its target to improve carbon efficiency per passenger by 30 per cent by 2030 against a 2015 baseline, for which it has already made significant progress.

In addition to a fuel saving program aimed at reducing fuel consumption through operational practice and driver awareness, HIA’s Carbon Management Plan, delivers energy reduction initiatives throughout the airport.

A cross-functional Energy Working Group identifies and promotes energy saving initiatives, including the optimisation of air-conditioning for passenger load bridges through integration with flight schedules, replacing conventional lighting with LEDs, and optimising light usage atthe airport’s boarding gates.

A key component to HIA’s Carbon Management Plan is encouraging the participation of the airport’s stakeholders including passengers, Qatar Airways and its subsidiaries, government stakeholders, private operators and retailers to engage in environmentally-conscious practices and reduce carbon emissions across the airport campus.

HIA also partnered with Kahramaa’s National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency, ‘Tarsheed’, to deliver technical energy and water conservation training to employees.

The training focused on resource conservation and was aligned with His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s 2030 vision for sustainable development.

The ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme is the world’s only institutionally-endorsed, international carbon management programme for airports and offers certification at four levels which reflect incremental challenges in measuring, managing and improving carbon emissions.

]]>Qatari artist Ahmed Nooh to step into the Paris art scenehttps://www.qataronline.media/qatari-artist-ahmed-nooh-to-step-into-the-paris-art-scene/
Mon, 13 Aug 2018 07:00:20 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206124Qatar Museum’s (QM) Fire Station: Artist in Residence, an initiative designed to grow the next generation of artistic talent in Qatar has announced that a sixth Qatari artist will be joining its prestigious Paris Residency Programme. As of August the 15th, Ahmed Nooh will be spending 3 months at the Cite Internationale Des Arts – […]]]>

Qatar Museum’s (QM) Fire Station: Artist in Residence, an initiative designed to grow the next generation of artistic talent in Qatar has announced that a sixth Qatari artist will be joining its prestigious Paris Residency Programme.

As of August the 15th, Ahmed Nooh will be spending 3 months at the Cite Internationale Des Arts – one of the world’s most important art residencies.

Ahmed has recently completed QM’s 9-month residency programme at the Fire Station, after which he joined 17 other artists in the recently opened Dual Inspirations exhibition.

His installation, Traces of Life, stunned visitors with its thought-provoking commentary on the abandonment of books. The exhibition is set to end on the 1st of October, 2018.

Prior to that, Ahmed was a member of the Visual Arts Center, where he experimented with various materials to create an abstract representation of his artistic vision. Completely devoted to his passion, he is also a member of the Souq Waqif Center for Fine Arts as well as a member of the Katara Fine Arts Association.

Commenting on the announcement, Fire Station’s Director – Khalifa Al Obaidly stated: “Ahmed Nooh is a perfect example of an artist who is completely devoted to his craft. After completing the Fire Station’s rigorous 9-month program, he now sets sail on a new adventure that I am certain will further nurture his skills and knowledge. He is the 6th artist to join the Paris Residency Programme since its launch, a testament to our country’s growing artistic and cultural sector. I look forward to welcoming him back and seeing how this experience will shape his contributions to Qatar’s art scene.”

Under the patronage of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, QM has been instigating Qatar’s future generation of artists.

Just recently, it launched Studio 209 NY, an extension of its Paris Residency Programme.

Qatari artists will now have the opportunity to apply for a residency at the prestigious International Studio & Curatorial Programme (ISCP) in New York, USA. Application for the program is open until the 1st of October.

By providing its talents with international platforms of self-expression, QM is helping Qatar find its own distinctive voice in today’s global cultural debates, all the while fostering a spirit of national participation.

]]>W Doha gears up for fabulous Eid al-Adha offerhttps://www.qataronline.media/w-doha-gears-up-for-fabulous-eid-al-adha-offer/
Mon, 13 Aug 2018 05:00:34 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206115W Doha Hotel & Residences, the first luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, is offering a spectacular package for guests to celebrate the joyful occasion of Eid al-Adha. Families can enjoy the luxurious comfort of a five-star hotel experience in the heart of Doha without the hassle of flying, while travelers in-the-know now have the perfect […]]]>

W Doha Hotel & Residences, the first luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, is offering a spectacular package for guests to celebrate the joyful occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Families can enjoy the luxurious comfort of a five-star hotel experience in the heart of Doha without the hassle of flying,

while travelers in-the-know now have the perfect excuse to visit the hippest destination in a city that will keep them coming back for more.

With rates starting from just QAR 649 per room per night, families, local residents and international travelers alike can all relax and unwind in a range of stylish rooms and suites with first class technology,

dazzling in-room entertainment and stylish décor before venturing out to sample the amazing range of attractions the hotel has to offer.

Staycations are all about families spending quality time together, and the hotel is rewarding families with 50% off when booking a second room so that everyone can enjoy the festive fun.

Foodies will be spoilt for choice from the hotel’s multiple award-winning restaurants, with a complimentary breakfast at Market by Jean-Georges featuring contemporary European cuisine, authentic South Asian street food at Spice Market, Italian favourites at La Spiga by Paper Moon and sweet and savoury light bites at W Café.

Adding to best culinary experience in the city, there is plenty more happening at W Doha to make Eid al-Adha an unforgettable time for all the family.

Guests can cool off in the elegant WET pool and a special kids’ corner will keep young guests entertained every Friday from 12 to 4pm. The Eid al-Adha offer is valid from August 16 until August 25 2018, with early check-in and late check-out subject to availability.

]]>Qatar Future Mega Projects (2018-2030) – Over $200 Billion Investedhttps://www.qataronline.media/qatar-future-mega-projects-2018-2030-over-200-billion-invested/
Mon, 13 Aug 2018 02:00:28 +0000https://www.qataronline.media/?p=206107Once upon a time, Qatar was a poor fishing village. But one day, oil and gas were discovered and everything changed for Qatar. Today ,Qatar is the richest country in the world with a GDP per capita of $129,360. The country has a lot of modern infrastructures and invests a lot in science,technology and education. […]]]>

Once upon a time, Qatar was a poor fishing village. But one day, oil and gas were discovered and everything changed for Qatar. Today ,Qatar is the richest country in the world with a GDP per capita of $129,360. The country has a lot of modern infrastructures and invests a lot in science,technology and education. Doha,the capital is very modern and futuristic .There are countless skyscrapers,modern malls and many other beautiful things.